Egg Reduction Research Articles

Antiparasitic activity of nerolidol in a mouse model of schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem worldwide, especially in poor communities. Since praziquantel is currently the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis, there is an urgent need to identify new antischistosomal drugs. Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene present as an essential oil in several plants that has been approved by the FDA. This study evaluated the in vivo antischistosomal activity of nerolidol in a mouse model of schistosomiasis infected with either adult or juvenile stages of Schistosoma mansoni. A single dose of nerolidol (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) administered orally to mice infected with adult schistosomes resulted in a reduction in worm burden and egg production. Treatment with the highest nerolidol dose (400 mg/kg) caused significant reduction in a total worm burden of 70.06% (P < 0.001). Additionally, the technique of quantitative and qualitative oograms showed that a single 400 mg/kg nerolidol dose achieved an immature egg reduction of 84.6% (P < 0.001). In faecal samples, the Kato–Katz method also revealed a reduction of 75.2% in eggs/g at a dose of 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that nerolidol-mediated worm killing was associated with tegumental damage. In contrast to activity against adult S. mansoni infection, oral treatment with nerolidol 400 mg/kg had low efficacy in mice harbouring juvenile schistosomes. Since nerolidol is already in use globally as a food additive and has a proven safety record, evaluation of this natural compound's potential for treatment of schistosomiasis could be entirely cost effective in the near future.

Bifurcation thresholds and optimal control in transmission dynamics of arboviral diseases.

In this paper, we derive and analyse a model for the control of arboviral diseases which takes into account an imperfect vaccine combined with some other control measures already studied in the literature. We begin by analysing the basic model without control. We prove the existence of two disease-free equilibrium points and the possible existence of up to two endemic equilibrium points (where the disease persists in the population). We show the existence of a transcritical bifurcation and a possible saddle-node bifurcation and explicitly derive threshold conditions for both, including defining the basic reproduction number, [Formula: see text], which provides whether the disease can persist in the population or not. The epidemiological consequence of saddle-node bifurcation is that the classical requirement of having the reproduction number less than unity, while necessary, is no longer sufficient for disease elimination from the population. It is further shown that in the absence of disease-induced death, the model does not exhibit this phenomenon. The model is extended by reformulating the model as an optimal control problem, with the use of five time dependent controls, to assess the impact of vaccination combined with treatment, individual protection and two vector control strategies (killing adult vectors and reduction of eggs and larvae). By using optimal control theory, we establish conditions under which the spread of disease can be stopped, and we examine the impact of combined control tools on the transmission dynamic of disease. The Pontryagin's maximum principle is used to characterize the optimal control. Numerical simulations and efficiency analysis show that, vaccination combined with other control mechanisms, would reduce the spread of the disease appreciably.

Developmental Dynamics of Globodera ellingtonae in Field-Grown Potato.

Globodera ellingtonae is a recently described nematode parasite of potato, which is closely related to the economically significant potato cyst nematodes G. rostochiensis and G. pallida. Because of the close relationship of G. ellingtonae to the potato cyst nematodes, a greater understanding of its biology is critical. Two experiments were conducted in Oregon to explore the developmental biology of G. ellingtonae in field-grown potato. The first experiment was conducted in 2013 and 2014 to determine the developmental timing of G. ellingtonae life stages and reproduction by inoculating potato with soil containing cysts followed by weekly collection of soil and root samples. Life stages; second-stage juveniles (J2) in soil and roots, third-stage juveniles (J3) and fourth-stage (J4) females and males in roots, males and females or cysts in soil, and egg number and developmental state were quantified. Normalizing across years using accumulated developmental degree days above 6°C (DD6), J2 of G. ellingtonae were found in soil from 41 to 588 DD6; two peaks of J2 invasion of roots were observed. The first adult females were observed at 387 and 449 DD6 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The next generation of eggs was first observed from 675 to 854 DD6 and 50% egg development (containing a vermiform juvenile) occurred at approximately 920 DD6. A second J2 hatch was observed in both years at 927 to 1,073 DD6. The developmental dynamics of G. ellingtonae observed here are similar to those reported for G. rostochiensis and G. pallida from several geographical locations. In the second experiment, the effect of potato and bare soil on G. ellingtonae egg hatch was evaluated; in 2014 and 2015, packages containing cysts in soil were buried under potato or in bare soil at the time of planting and eggs per cyst determined weekly. Across years, a significant reduction in eggs per cysts under potato (>50%) was observed 35 days after planting (DAP) and, at 63 DAP, eggs per cyst were reduced by 76 to 96% compared with initial egg per cyst densities. In bare soil, the maximum reduction in densities of eggs per cyst was 55 to 73%. This annual reduction in egg numbers of G. ellingtonae in bare soil is similar to that reported for G. pallida and G. rostochiensis.

Efficacy of praziquantel on Schistosoma haematobium and re-infection rates among school-going children in the Ndumo area of uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BackgroundDespite its low cure rates and possible resistance, praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug available for schistosomiasis treatment. Hence, monitoring its efficacy is crucial. This study assessed the efficacy of PZQ, determined re-infection and incidence rates of Schistosoma haematobium infection among school-going children in the Ndumo area, KwaZulu-Natal.MethodsA cohort of 320 school-going children (10 – 15 years) in 10 primary schools was screened for S. haematobium infection using the filtration technique. Infected children were treated at different times and hence were divided into two sub-cohorts; A1 and A2. Non-infected children constituted the sub-cohort B. Children who continued excreting viable eggs 4 weeks post-treatment received a second dose of PZQ. Re-infection rates were determined in sub-cohort A1 and A2 at 28 and 20 weeks post-treatment, respectively. Cure rates (CR) and egg reduction rates (ERR) were calculated. Incidence rate was assessed 28 weeks post baseline survey using children that were negative for schistosome eggs at that survey. Analysis of data was done using the Chi square and the Wilcoxon rank test. A 95% confidence interval with a P-value < 0.05 determined significance.ResultsAt baseline, 120 (37.5%) of the 320 study participants were found infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Heavy infections accounted for 36.7%. The calculated cure rates were 88.07% and 82.92% for females and males, respectively. Egg Reduction Rates of 80% and 64% for females and males were observed 4 weeks after the initial treatment. After the second treatment, CR was 100% in females and 50% in males with an ERR of 100% in females and 70% in males. At 20 and 28 weeks post treatment, reinfection rates of 8.03% and 8.00% were observed, respectively, giving an overall rate of 8.1%. An incidence rate of 4.1% was observed 28 weeks after the baseline screening.ConclusionsThe study indicated high CR while the ERR was low suggesting a reduced PZQ efficacy. The efficacy improved among females after the second dose. Re-infection rates at 20 and 28 weeks post-treatment were low. The study also indicated a low incidence rate for the 28 weeks period.

Modulation of murine intestinal immunity by Moringa oleifera extract in experimental hymenolepiasis nana.

The potential therapeutic value of Moringa oleifera extract (MOE), due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, has been reported previously. In this study, Hymenolepis nana antigen (HNA) in combination with MOE was used in immunization against H. nana infection. Adult worm and egg counts were taken, while histological changes in the intestine were observed. Mucosal mast (MMCs) and goblet cells (GCs) were stained with specific stains, while serum and intestinal IgA were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were assayed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of mRNA expression in ileum tissue. The results demonstrated an improvement in the architecture of intestinal villi, decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) and TBARS, and increased GSH in HNA, MOE and MOE + HNA groups. In the same groups, an increase in GCs, mucin 2 (MUC2), interleukins (IL)-4, -5 and -9, and stem cell factor (SCF) versus a decrease in both interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) expression appeared. HNA and MOE + HNA increased serum and intestinal IgA, respectively. MOE decreased MMCs and achieved the highest reductions in both adult worms and eggs. In conclusion, MOE could achieve protection against H. nana infections through decreased TGF-β, IFN-γ and MMC counts versus increased GC counts, T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines and IgA level.

Efficacy of soluble glycoprotein fraction from Allium sativum purified by size exclusion chromatography on murine Schistosomiasis mansoni.

In this work, the efficiency of crude MeOH extracts and soluble glycoprotein fraction of Allium sativum purified by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) on parasitological, histopathological and some biochemical parameters in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were investigated. Animals were infected by tail immersion with 100 cercariae/each mouse and divided into five groups in addition to the normal control. The results revealed a significant decrease in mean worm burden in all treated mice especially in the group treated with soluble glycoprotein fraction of A.sativum as compared to infected non-treated control with the disappearance of female worms. Administration of the studied extracts revealed remarkable amelioration in the levels of all the measured parameters in S.mansoni infected mice. In addition, treatment of mice with crude A.sativum MeOH extract and soluble glycoprotein fraction of A.sativum decreased significantly the activities of studied enzymes as compared to the infected untreated group. The highest degrees of enhancement in pathological changes was observed in the treated one with soluble glycoprotein fraction of A.sativum compared to the infected group represented by small sized, late fibro-cellular granuloma, the decrease in cellular constituents and degenerative changes in eggs. In conclusion, A.sativum treatment had effective schistosomicidal activities, through reduction of worm burden and tissue eggs, especially when it was given in purified glycoprotein fraction. Moreover, the soluble glycoprotein fraction of A.sativum largely modulates both the size and the number of granulomas.

Function of Nanos1 gene in the development of reproductive organs of Schistosoma japonicum.

Nanos is a necessary factor in the differentiation and migration of primordial germ cells. It is closely associated with the development of genitalia in a wide range of species. We questioned whether Nanos was involved in the reproductive organ development of Schistosoma japonicum. Firstly, by in situ hybridization, S. japonicum Nanos1 (SjNanos1) gene was expressed mainly in reproductive organs of S. japonicum. Then, the paired schistosome of 28days post-infection (dpi) was transfected with SjNanos1 small interfering RNA three times and cultured in vitro for 10days. SjNanos1 expression suppression in the mRNA and protein levels were confirmed compared to that of the controls. The morphological changes in reproductive organs and egg production were observed after SjNanos1 gene knockdown. The results observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed significant changes in the morphology of reproductive organs of parasites, especially the female ovaries, vitellarium, and the male testes, after RNAi. In addition, SjNanos1 silencing also induced the reduction of eggs, and affected the changes of reproduction-related genes, like Pumilio, CNOT6L, and Fs800. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that the SjNanos1 gene is essential in the development of reproductive organs and the egg production of S. japonicum.

Quantification of resistant alleles in the \u03b2-tubulin gene of field strains of gastrointestinal nematodes and their relation with the faecal egg count reduction test

BackgroundBenzimidazole (BZ) resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codons 167, 198 and 200 in the isotype 1 of beta-tubulin gene although in some species these SNPs have also been associated with resistance to macrocyclic lactones. In the present study we compared the levels of resistance in Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis by means of the faecal egg reduction test (FECRT) and the percentage of resistant alleles obtained after pyrosequencing. The study was conducted in 10 naturally infected sheep flocks. Each flock was divided into three groups: i) group treated with albendazole (ABZ); ii) group treated with ivermectin (IVM); iii) untreated group. The number of eggs excreted per gram of faeces was estimated at day 0 and 14 post-treatment.ResultsResistance to ABZ was observed in 12.5% (1/8) of the flocks and to IVM in 44.4% (4/9) of them. One flock was resistant to both drugs according to FECRT. Coprocultures were performed at the same dates to collect L3 for DNA extraction from pooled larvae and to determine the resistant allele frequencies by pyrosequencing analysis. In T. circumcincta, SNPs were not found at any of the three codons before treatment; after the administration of ABZ, SNPs were present only in two different flocks, one of them with a frequency of 23.8% at SNP 167, and the other 13.2% % at SNP 198. In relation to T. colubriformis, we found the SNP200 before treatment in 33.3% (3/9) of the flocks with values between 48.5 and 87.8%. After treatment with ABZ and IVM, the prevalence of this SNP increased to 75 and 100% of the flocks, with a mean frequency of 95.1% and 82.6%, respectively.ConclusionThe frequencies observed for SNP200 in T. colubriformis indicate that the presence of resistance is more common than revealed by the FECRT.

Effectiveness of autodissemination stations containing pyriproxyfen in reducing immature Aedes albopictus populations

BackgroundAedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is an aggressive, highly anthropophilic, day-biting mosquito with an expanding geographic range. Suppression of Ae. albopictus is difficult because of the abundance and prevalence of larval habitats within peridomestic environments, particularly cryptic habitats such as corrugated extension spouts, fence post openings, discarded food containers, etc. Because of the challenges of eliminating or treating larval habitats of this species, we tested an autodissemination concept to contaminate these habitats with the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen.MethodsOur study was conducted in the City of Trenton (Mercer County), New Jersey, USA (40°12′N, 74°44′W). We selected six hot spots, where five or more Ae. albopictus males or females were collected based on weekly trap surveillance. A trapping unit was a city block, approximately 0.8 ha (hot spot), where we deployed 26 to 28 autodissemination stations per treatment plot. To gauge efficacy, we deployed BGS traps, oviposition cups, and sentinel cups in treatment and control locations.ResultsWe found a significant reduction in eggs (P < 0.0001) and larval populations (P < 0.0001) as a result of treatment. Pupal mortality, as determined through bioassays, was also significantly higher in the treatment sites (P < 0.0001).ConclusionOur results clearly show the potential and unique use of the autodissemination stations to control immature Ae. albopictus in urban areas. Penetration of larvicides with existing methods are difficult to reach cryptic habitats, but the autodissemination approach, which exploits the oviposition behavior of the target pest, can be integrated into intervention programs. New tools are urgently needed to curb the expansion and public health implications of Ae. albopictus and other container-inhabiting species.

Evaluation of protective efficacy induced by different heterologous prime-boost strategies encoding triosephosphate isomerase against Schistosoma japonicum in mice

BackgroundIn China, schistosomiasis japonica is a predominant zoonotic disease, and animal reservoir hosts in the environment largely sustain infections. The development of transmission-blocking veterinary vaccines is urgently needed for the prevention and efficient control of schistosomiasis. Heterologous prime-boost strategy is more effective than traditional vaccination and homologous prime-boost strategies against multiple pathogens infection. In the present study, to further improve protective efficacy, we immunized mice with three types of heterologous prime-boost combinations based on our previously constructed vaccines that encode triosphate isomerase of Schistosoma japonicum, tested the specific immune responses, and evaluated the protective efficacy through challenge infection in mice.MethodsDNA vaccine (pcDNA3.1-SjTPI.opt), adenoviral vectored vaccine (rAdV-SjTPI.opt), and recombinant protein vaccine (rSjTPI) were prepared and three types of heterologous prime-boost combinations, including DNA i.m. priming-rAdV i.m. boosting, rAdV i.m. priming-rAdV s.c. boosting, and rAdV i.m. priming-rSjTPI boosting strategies, were carried out. The specific immune responses and protective efficacies were evaluated in BALB/c miceResultsResults show that different immune profiles and various levels of protective efficacy were elicited by using different heterologous prime-boost combinations. A synergistic effect was observed using the DNA i.m. priming-rAdV i.m. boosting strategy; however, its protective efficacy was similar to that of rAdV i.m. immunization. Conversely, an antagonistic effect was generated by using the rAd i.m. priming-s.c. boosting strategy. However, the strategy, with rAdV i.m. priming- rSjTPI s.c. boosting, generated the most optimal protective efficacy and worm or egg reduction rate reaching up to 70% in a mouse model.ConclusionsA suitable immunization strategy, rAdV i.m. priming-rSjTPI boosting strategy, was developed, which elicits a high level of protective efficacy against Schistosoma japonicum infection in mice.

Marine gametes in a changing ocean: Impacts of climate change stressors on fecundity and the egg

In marine invertebrates, the environmental history of the mother can influence fecundity and egg size. Acclimation of females in climate change stressors, increased temperature and low pH, results in a decrease in egg number and size in many taxa, with the exception of cephalopods, where eggs increase in size. With respect to spawned eggs, near future levels of ocean acidification can interfere with the egg’s block to polyspermy and intracellular pH. Reduction of the extracellular egg jelly coat seen in low pH conditions has implications for impaired egg function and fertilization. Some fast generation species (e.g. copepods, polychaetes) have shown restoration of female reproductive output after several generations in treatments. It will be important to determine if the changes to egg number and size induced by exposure to climate change stressors are heritable.

Anthelmintic evaluation of Cucurbita pepo againstgastrointestinal nematodes of sheep

The study was aimed at to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cucurbita pepo against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep by scientifically validated in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro anthelmintic activity was determined by egg hatch assay, larval migration inhibition assay and larval development assay against eggs and larvae of mixed gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. The extracts which were found to be effective in in vitro assays were further evaluated by in vivo faecal egg count reduction test against mixed species of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes with 3 different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg kg-1). Haematological and serum parameters were estimated before and after treatment to determine the impact of plant extracts on health of the animal. Aqueous extract of C. pepo demonstrated significant inhibition of egg hatch at 40 and 80 mg/ml. The ED50 value of egg hatch inhibition was 3.51mg/ml. In larval migration inhibition assay, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. pepo demonstrated inhibition of larval migration and the LM50 was 1.75 and 0.32 mg/ml respectively. However, in larval development assay, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed only marginal inhibition of larval development at all concentrations tested. In faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), aqueous extracts of C. pepo at 500 mg/kg caused significant reduction in eggs per gram (96.61 per cent) the reduction being higher than the result obtained with albendazole, the positive control (93.25 per cent). There was a significant difference in EPG reduction between sheep treated with albendazole and C. pepo. Haematological and serum parameters were not affected in both the treated and untreated sheep indicating that the extracts did not cause toxic effects. Based on the results obtained in this study, the aqueous extract of C. pepo possesses anthelmintic activity and could offer an alternative source for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.

Rendering fecal waste safe for reuse via a cost-effective solar concentrator

The goal of this work was to design a cost-effective solar-thermal waste treatment unit and evaluate its ability to render fecal waste safe for reuse. Three trials were conducted from December 2011 through February 2012 in FAVET-Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. The first two trials evaluated helminth viability daily. To calculate the inactivation rate for the solar concentrator unit, the third trial evaluated helminth viability hourly. The solar concentrator met cost requirements of less than US$0.002 per user per day to manufacture. In all three trials, temperatures of treated waste fluctuated from 15°C to 95°C and surpassed temperatures that previous literature has shown to promote pathogen inactivation. There was at least a 2.96 log10 reduction of viable helminth eggs after 1 day in the solar concentrator for all three trials. In the third trial, the inactivation rate ranged from 3 to 6.5 log10/hour−1 with a corresponding t99 of 0.71–1.55 hours. These results suggest that a solar concentrating unit can meet the need of cost-effectively rendering human feces safe for reuse – helping to prevent diarrheal diseases, and ultimately, saving lives.

Pengaruh Perendaman Telur dengan Larutan Hidrogen Peroksida terhadap Penurunan Bobot, Haugh Unit dan Indeks Putih Telur Itik Konsumsi Selama Penyimpanan pada Suhu Ruang

&lt;p&gt;This objective of the research was to know the effect of soaking with hydrogen&lt;br /&gt;peroxide on weight reduction, haugh unit and albumen index of duck eggs during storage at room temperature. The research was designed as Completely Randomize Design (CRD) wtih four treatments and six replicates each. The treatments were: soaking with aquades, soaking with 1, 2, and 3% of hydrogen The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and continued with Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results indicated that soaking with hydrogen peroxyde influended the egg weight, Haugh Unit and albumen index at chamber temperature during the storage. Soaking with 1% hydrogen peroxide showed the best results compared with the other treatments.&lt;br /&gt;Key words: soaking, hydrogen peroxide, weight decrease, haugh unit, albumen index&lt;/p&gt;

Pengaruh Perendaman Telur dengan Larutan Hidrogen Peroksida terhadap Penurunan Bobot, Haugh Unit dan Indeks Putih Telur Itik Konsumsi Selama Penyimpanan pada Suhu Ruang

&lt;p&gt;This objective of the research was to know the effect of soaking with hydrogen&lt;br /&gt;peroxide on weight reduction, haugh unit and albumen index of duck eggs during storage at room temperature. The research was designed as Completely Randomize Design (CRD) wtih four treatments and six replicates each. The treatments were: soaking with aquades, soaking with 1, 2, and 3% of hydrogen The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and continued with Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results indicated that soaking with hydrogen peroxyde influended the egg weight, Haugh Unit and albumen index at chamber temperature during the storage. Soaking with 1% hydrogen peroxide showed the best results compared with the other treatments.&lt;br /&gt;Key words: soaking, hydrogen peroxide, weight decrease, haugh unit, albumen index&lt;/p&gt;

Toxicity of ethanol solutions and vapours against Meloidogyne incognita

Ethanol (EtOH) is less harmful to humans than currently available nematicide molecules. This study evaluated the efficacy of EtOH in controllingMeloidogyne incognitain vitroand in lettuce plants under glasshouse conditions. Aqueous EtOH solutions (5-70% volume) and their vapours caused an acute nematicidal effectin vitroin second-stage juveniles (J2) ofM. incognitaand reduced hatching of J2. There was a large reduction of galls and eggs in the root system when 40 ml of EtOH was applied toM. incognita-infested soil at concentrations of 40 and 70%. Water exposed to EtOH vapours for 1 h became toxic, and a 12-h exposure caused 100% J2 mortality. Use of a plastic cover did not increase the efficiency of EtOH in controllingM. incognitain lettuce plants. The observed EtOH effects indicate its prospective use in controlling plant-parasitic nematodes, especially in glasshouses.

The Efficacy of Single-Dose versus Double-Dose Praziquantel Treatments on Schistosoma mansoni Infections: Its Implication on Undernutrition and Anaemia among Primary Schoolchildren in Two On-Shore Communities, Northwestern Tanzania.

Administering more than one treatment may increase Praziquantel cure and egg reduction rates, thereby hastening achievement of schistosomiasis transmission control. A total of 431 S. mansoni-infected schoolchildren were randomized to receive either a single or repeated 40 mg/kg Praziquantel dose. Heights, weights, and haemoglobin levels were determined using a stadiometer, weighing scale, and HemoCue, respectively. At 8 weeks, cure rate was higher on repeated dose (93.10%) compared to single dose (68.68%) (p < 0.001). The egg reduction rate was higher on repeated dose (97.54%) compared to single dose (87.27%) (p = 0.0062). Geometric mean egg intensity was lower among those on repeated dose (1.30 epg) compared to single dose (3.18 epg) (p = 0.036) but not at 5 (p > 0.05) and 8 (p > 0.05) months with no difference in reinfection rate. No difference in the prevalence of stunting was observed between the two treatment regimens (p > 0.05) at 8 months, but there was an increase in the prevalence of wasting among those on repeated dose (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the mean haemoglobin levels at 8 months with no difference between the two arms (p > 0.05). To achieve reduction of transmission intensity and disease control in highly endemic areas, repeated treatments alone may not be sufficient. This trial was registered with PACTR201601001416338.

Low efficacy of albendazole against Trichuris trichiura infection in schoolchildren from Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Albendazole is one of two standard drugs for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. A total of 149 schoolchildren from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, were examined for soil-transmitted helminth infections using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears before and 2 weeks after administration of albendazole (400 mg). Trichuris trichiura was the predominant soil-transmitted helminth species (prevalence 60.4%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (47.7%). While albendazole was highly efficacious against A. lumbricoides (cure rate [CR] 97.2%; egg reduction rate [ERR] 94.3%), it lacked efficacy against T. trichiura (CR 1.1%; ERR 46.0%). Our study confirms low efficacy of single dose albendazole against T. trichiura. There is a need for safe and efficacious drugs against T. trichiura.

Homeopathic Treatment with a Complex of Cina9 CH and Colocynthis CH in Horses Naturally Infected with Intestinal Strongyles

<p class=MsoNormal style=margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:150%> The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of homeopathic and allopathic treatments on gastrointestinal parasites in horses. Eighteen clinically healthy and regularly trained Standard bred horses were used with the informed consent of the owners. The horses were randomly divided into 3 equally groups: Group A was treated with ivermectin, Group B received daily treatment with an homeopathic combination of Cina 9CH and Colocynthis 9CH, and Group C (Control Group) received treatment with placebo. Directly after the first faecal sampling, the horses were treated with anthelmintic drugs (day 0). All horses were observed daily to record for any clinical signs of side-effects (e.g., sweating, mydriasis, colics) caused by the products. Body Condition Score (BCS) measurement was performed on horses before (d0) and after the end of experimental period (d35). The collection of faecal samples was carried out from each animal before (d0) and after 3 (d3), 7 (d7), 10 (d10), 13 (d13), 16(d16), 20 (d20), 27 (d27), and 35 (d35) days the start of experimental period. Fecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of allopathic and homeopathic treatment. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine significant effects of treatment and time on BCS values. Differences on efficacy of treatment were found among groups. In particular, the efficacy of ivermectin on Group A based on FECR was of 98.8%. Egg count reduction after homeopathic treatment were lower than 10%,although the parasite eggs showed altered morphological aspect with thinned and coerced walls. Whereas, the Group C had no reduction in FECR and parasite eggs showed no morphological alterations. A statistically significant effect of time was found on the BCS values in group A (P<0.05) and B (P<0.001). Moreover, Groups B showed higher BCS values respect to Group A and Group C. The homeopathic treatment evaluated in the present study did not prove effective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in the conditions that it was tested as demonstrated by the lack of FECR. <p class=MsoNormal style=margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:150%> Keywords: Homeopathic treatment, Horse, Ivermectin, Gastrointestinal parasites

Cyantraniliprole at Sublethal Dosages Negatively Affects the Development, Reproduction, and Nutrient Utilization of Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

To better understand the application prospect of cyantraniliprole against the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, a diet-incorporation bioassay was adopted to determine the toxicity of cyantraniliprole against the fourth instar of O. furnacalis. Moreover, other experiments were conducted to examine effects of sublethal levels of cyantraniliprole on larval development, nutrient utilization, and reproduction. In this study, cyantraniliprole showed a high toxicity to fourth-instar larvae of O. furnacalis at dosages of 0.05 μg/g (LC5), 0.11 μg/g (LC20), 0.20 μg/g (LC40), and 0.26 μg/g (LC50) administered through artificial diet. At three sublethal dosages, cyantraniliprole inhibited larval feeding processes, decreased the relative growth rate, the relative consumption rate, the efficiency of food ingestion, and the efficiency of food digestion, as well as decreased the contents of nutrients such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. All these effects go against to the normal growth of O. furnacalis, including reductions in larval and pupal weight, the extension of the larval and pupal period, the prolongation of the adult preoviposition period, total preoviposition period, and mean generation time, and the reduction of adult longevity, oviposition period, and eggs laid by female adults. Together, these changes resulted in the reduction of the intrinsic rate of increase. Hence, even at sublethal concentrations, cyantraniliprole can affect population dynamics by reducing the survival rate, fecundity, and population parameters. This result provides useful information for developing control strategies for O. furnacalis.